Carlos Alcaraz has not started the new season in a particularly bright way and the hard work done during the off-season has not yet had any effect. The 21-year-old from Murcia who had been eliminated by Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals at the 2025 Australian Open debuted with a victory at the Rotterdam ATP 500 yesterday, but his performance against Botic van de Zandschulp did not live up to expectations.
The former world number 1 prevailed in three sets against the local idol, committing many unforced errors and revealing the usual lapses in concentration that have characterized his young career so far.
His serve did not work particularly well and it was necessary for the Dutchman to drop in the third set to avoid further trouble. The 4-time Grand Slam champion will have to improve his level as early as the next round if he wants to go far in this tournament, in which several dangerous players participate on this surface.
The Spanish ace complained about several things during his press conference and gave the feeling that he was not totally serene at the moment.
Rick Macci pays tribute toAlcaraz
Carlitos showed up in Rotterdam without Juan Carlos Ferrero, who stayed in Spain to spend time with his family. Along with the world number 3 is Samuel Lopez, who has become his second coach since the beginning of this year.
In a not particularly brilliant moment of his career, the legendary coach Rick Macci wanted to praise Alcaraz's skills through two posts on X.
Carlos is the most gifted player on tour. He has all the shots. He runs like a deer and has no fear. When he locks in a little more and puts more returns back in Play Double Figure Grand Slams will come his Way Macci wrote.
He continued: The Spanish Magicians game is more adventurous than anybody. His game has more risk and reward. He is a fearless shot maker and artist wrapped into one. You will most likely see more unforced errors and Winners than from Sinner.
